2009 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 3,425 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 409 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Equinox | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Equinox | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3425 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
